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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Chronic Constipation, Feeling Of Incomplete Bowel Movement, Small, Ribbon Like Stools. No Help From Suppository, Oral Laxative, Daily Magnesium. Help

I have been dealing with chronic constipation for almost a month now. I took mag citrate, suppository,oral tablet laxatives, plus daily magnesium. I don't feel as though I'm "cleaned out". I am passing clear mucous rectally, and this has been happening during the last month. When I did have a bm, it was small, ribbon like amounts with a lot of straining.
Btw, I am a nurse, and I do have active bowel sounds. I am just worried there may be an obstruction further up and if I goto a dr, they are just going to tell me what I have already been doing at home.
Mon, 26 Aug 2013
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

Your symptoms indicate that this might be something more than just a constipation. Especially that laxatives agents havent helped.
Small, ribbon like stools indicate that there is some narrowing in the large intestine. This narrowing can be caused by colon cancer. This is possible if you are over the age of 50. Other symptoms of colon cancer are weight loss, abdominal pain, nausea, bloating.

I suggest you to do not wait anymore and visit your doctor. Stool tests and colonoscopy should be done.

Hope this will help.
Regards.
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Chronic Constipation, Feeling Of Incomplete Bowel Movement, Small, Ribbon Like Stools. No Help From Suppository, Oral Laxative, Daily Magnesium. Help

Hello! Thank you for the query. Your symptoms indicate that this might be something more than just a constipation. Especially that laxatives agents havent helped. Small, ribbon like stools indicate that there is some narrowing in the large intestine. This narrowing can be caused by colon cancer. This is possible if you are over the age of 50. Other symptoms of colon cancer are weight loss, abdominal pain, nausea, bloating. I suggest you to do not wait anymore and visit your doctor. Stool tests and colonoscopy should be done. Hope this will help. Regards.